Feed Additives in Health and Immunity of Fish

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Aquatic Animals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2022) | Viewed by 50919

Special Issue Editors

Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
Interests: feed additives; fish health; animal immunity; feeding; neuroscience; obesity; gut–brain axis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Sciences and Technologies, University of Sannio, 82100 Benevento, Italy
Interests: animal nutrition; feed manufacturing; animal product shelf-life; bioactive molecules; biopolymers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Diet is one of the key modulators of immunity. Feed additives are often used in animal diet to enhance the immune system and to provide an extra defense against infections and diseases. A variety of natural sources are used to obtain eco-friendly feed additives. Among the various feed additives, plant extracts provide strong antioxidant effects and prevent or counteract the development of numerous diseases by boosting the immune system. An example is given by polyphenols, bioactive components deriving from plant secondary metabolism, which are characterized by well-known anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects on animals and humans.

It has been reported that plant-derived feed additives can improve growth and health, affecting such physiological processes as the immune function, central and peripheral inflammation, and stress resistance of cultured fishes. In an era dominated by the increase in antibiotic-resistant diseases and awareness that the massive use of synthetic medicines is causing harm to the environment and consumers, research is increasingly turning towards the sustainable use of natural resources for application in various areas. In recent years, the growth of aquaculture and the use of zebrafish in the laboratory as an animal model for scientific research in both biomedical and ecological fields have been increasing, reaching remarkable milestones in the knowledge of the relationships between immunity, microbiome, gut health, and neuronal and brain performance.

The aim of this Special Issue is to ultimately present a  multidisciplinary collection of original research papers or reviews concerning the effect of innovative and alternative natural feed additives on all aspects related to immunity and the repercussions of immunity reinforcement and/or modifications on the peripheral and central anatomy and activities of wild and cultured fish as well as other aquatic species. You are cordially invited to contribute to this theme or related research topics in order to improve knowledge on the role of natural feed additives in the immunity of fish as well as to propose innovative solutions to improve the immune system and prevent peripheral and central inflammation. This Special Issue welcomes multiple morphophysiological, biochemical, microbiological, and functional approaches toward understanding the best natural feed additives, including their modes of action in the control of immunity, inflammation, and stress. The results and findings of these works could be relevant in defining specific natural feed additives as preventive and/or therapeutic compounds for both the scientific world and the field of aquaculture.

Dr. Roberta Imperatore
Prof. Dr. Marina Paolucci
Guest Editors

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Keywords

natural plant extracts

polyphenols

feed additives

prebiotics

probiotics

diet

aquaculture

laboratory animal models

inflammation

aquatic species anatomy physiology

development; growth

gut

microbiome

brain

gut–brain axis

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 884 KiB  
Article
Combined and Singular Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Persian Shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss) and Synbiotic Biomin®IMBO on Growth Performance, Serum- and Mucus-Immune Parameters and Antioxidant Defense in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
by Hamed Ghafarifarsani, Seyed Hossein Hoseinifar, Maedeh Talebi, Morteza Yousefi, Hien Van Doan, Rudabeh Rufchaei and Marina Paolucci
Animals 2021, 11(10), 2995; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11102995 - 19 Oct 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 2539
Abstract
This study was carried out to evaluate combined and singular effects of ethanolic extract of Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss) and synbiotic Biomin®IMBO on growth performance, innate immune responses, and antioxidant defense in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Fish with [...] Read more.
This study was carried out to evaluate combined and singular effects of ethanolic extract of Persian shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss) and synbiotic Biomin®IMBO on growth performance, innate immune responses, and antioxidant defense in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Fish with initial weight of 151.90 ± 0.31 mg were allocated in 21 10-L glass aquariums. The experimental groups were as follows: T1, control (without any supplementation); T2, 1% synbiotic; T3, 3% synbiotic; T4, 1% Persian shallot (as a medical plant); T5, 3% Persian shallot; T6, 1% Persian shallot and 1% synbiotic; T7, 3% Persian shallot and 3% synbiotic. At the end of the experiment (60 days), all treatments significantly showed higher final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), WG (%), and specific growth rate (SGR) compared with the fish fed on control diet. Furthermore, both synbiotic Biomin®IMBO and Persian shallot significantly improved intestine immune parameters including lysozyme, alternative complement hemolytic activity (ACH50), total immunoglobulin (total Ig), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) of zebrafish compared to fish fed on control diet (p < 0.05). Also, in all experimental groups, hepatic catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR) activities significantly increased compared to the control group. Whereas, the highest MDA level was observed in the control group compared to the treatments (p < 0.05). Moreover, skin mucus immune parameters of zebrafish have been noticeably improved with synbiotic Biomin®IMBO and Persian shallot compared to fish fed on the control diet (p < 0.05). The results indicate that synbiotic or Persian shallot supplemented diet could enhance the general health status of the zebrafish. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Health and Immunity of Fish)
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11 pages, 626 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Diet Supplementation with Wheat Grass Juice on Growth Performance, Body Composition and Blood Biochemical Profile of Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)
by Cristian-Alin Barbacariu, Marian Burducea, Lenuta Dîrvariu, Eugen Oprea, Andrei-Cristian Lupu, Gabriel-Ciprian Teliban, Alina Laura Agapie, Vasile Stoleru and Andrei Lobiuc
Animals 2021, 11(9), 2589; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092589 - 03 Sep 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3625
Abstract
Wheat grass juice (WGJ) is an extract of young wheat plantlets (Triticum aetivum L.) used worldwide for its health related properties. In this study, the following feeds containing WGJ were tested on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): Control (C), WGJ1% (V1), [...] Read more.
Wheat grass juice (WGJ) is an extract of young wheat plantlets (Triticum aetivum L.) used worldwide for its health related properties. In this study, the following feeds containing WGJ were tested on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): Control (C), WGJ1% (V1), WGJ2% (V2) and WGJ4% (V3) w/w. Fish with an average initial weight of 102 g/individual were grown in a recirculating aquaculture system. The results showed that WGJ had stimulatory effects on growth performance. Accordingly, final body weight increased by 11% at V1, 39% at V2 and 23% at V3, while other indices (feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, relative growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and condition factor) were unaffected. Body composition analyses revealed a significant decrease in fat content at V2 and a significant increase in collagen and ash at the same variant, while the protein content was unmodified. Regarding the blood profile, significant increases in the content of albumin, globulin, total protein, and calcium were recorded in the variants with WGJ. The positive results of WGJ on carp can be attributed to its biochemical composition, which is rich in chlorophyll (4.71 mg mL−1), total phenols (164 µg mL−1 gallic acid equivalents), and high antioxidant activity (67% inhibition of DPPH 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The results suggest WGJ can be used as a promising feed additive for common carp. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Health and Immunity of Fish)
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15 pages, 4445 KiB  
Article
Effects of Apple (Malus pomila) Pomace-Derived Pectin on the Innate Immune Responses, Expressions of Key Immune-Related Genes, Growth Performance, and Digestive Enzyme Activity of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
by Seyed Hossein Hoseinifar, Ghasem Rashidian, Hamed Ghafarifarsani, Mohammad Amin Jahazi, Mehdi Soltani, Hien Van Doan, Ehab El-Haroun and Marina Paolucci
Animals 2021, 11(7), 2117; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072117 - 16 Jul 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4145
Abstract
Pectins are a group of carbohydrates found in structural parts of terrestrial plants with wide industrial and biomedical applications. This study was designed to investigate the dietary effects of apple pomace-derived pectin (APDP) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Four formulated diets [...] Read more.
Pectins are a group of carbohydrates found in structural parts of terrestrial plants with wide industrial and biomedical applications. This study was designed to investigate the dietary effects of apple pomace-derived pectin (APDP) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Four formulated diets were provided with different inclusion levels of APDP for 30 days: 0, 5, 10, and 20 g kg−1; referred to as control, P1, P2, and P3, respectively. In this study, 300 fish (3.56 ± 0.007 g) were randomly distributed into twelve fiberglass tanks and fed 3% of their respective body weight four times a day. At the end of the experiment, growth parameters, including weight gain, specific growth rate, and food conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly improved in P1 and P2 treatments compared to those of the other treatments. Results from proximate composition analysis showed that protein content increased, and lipid decreased in the P2 and P3 groups. Serum lysozyme, complement activity, total immunoglobulin levels, and total protein were significantly enhanced in all treatments compared to those of the control group. Gene expression results showed no significant difference in regulation of interleukin-1β (IL-1β); however, up-regulation of lysozyme, interleukin-8 (IL-8), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) was observed in both P1 and P2. Unlike lipase, the activity of protease and amylase significantly increased in fish receiving different levels of APDP compared to the control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the present findings suggest APDA as a promising feed additive for rainbow trout. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Health and Immunity of Fish)
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16 pages, 6344 KiB  
Article
Effect of Dietary Sugarcane Bagasse Supplementation on Growth Performance, Immune Response, and Immune and Antioxidant-Related Gene Expressions of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Cultured under Biofloc System
by Chompunut Lumsangkul, Wanaporn Tapingkae, Korawan Sringarm, Sanchai Jaturasitha, Chinh Le Xuan, Supreya Wannavijit, Piyatida Outama and Hien Van Doan
Animals 2021, 11(7), 2035; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11072035 - 08 Jul 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5422
Abstract
We investigated, herein, the effects of dietary inclusion of sugarcane bagasse powder (SB) on Nile tilapia development, mucosal and serum immunities, and relative immune and antioxidant genes. Fish (15.12 ± 0.04 g) were provided a basal diet (SB0) or basal diet incorporated with [...] Read more.
We investigated, herein, the effects of dietary inclusion of sugarcane bagasse powder (SB) on Nile tilapia development, mucosal and serum immunities, and relative immune and antioxidant genes. Fish (15.12 ± 0.04 g) were provided a basal diet (SB0) or basal diet incorporated with SB at 10 (SB10), 20 (SB20), 40 (SB40), or 80 (SB80) g kg−1 for 8 weeks. Our results demonstrated that the dietary incorporation of sugarcane bagasse powder (SB) at 20 and 40 g kg−1 significantly ameliorated FW, WG, and SGR as opposed to fish fed basal, SB10, and SB80 diets. However, no significant changes in FCR and survivability were observed between the SB supplemented diets and the control (basal diet). The mucosal immunity exhibited significantly higher SMLA and SMPA activities (p < 0.005) in fish treated with SB diets after eight weeks. The highest SMLA and SMPA levels were recorded in fish fed SB80 followed by SB20, SB40, and SB10, respectively. For serum immunity, fish fed SB incorporated diets significantly ameliorated SL and RB levels (p < 0.05) compared with the control. However, SP was not affected by the inclusion of SB in any diet throughout the experiment. The expression of IL1, IL8, LBP, GSTa, GPX, and GSR genes in the fish liver was significantly increased in fish fed the SB20 and SB10 diets relative to the basal diet fed fish (p < 0.05); whereas only the IL8, LBP, and GPX genes in the intestines were substantially augmented via the SB20 and SB80 diets (p < 0.05). IL1 and GSR were not influenced by the SB incorporated diets (p > 0.05). In summary, sugarcane bagasse powder (SB) may be applied as a feed additive to improve growth performance, immune response, and immune and antioxidant-related gene expression in Nile tilapia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Health and Immunity of Fish)
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14 pages, 2357 KiB  
Article
Effects of Dietary Saccharomyces cerevisiae YFI-SC2 on the Growth Performance, Intestinal Morphology, Immune Parameters, Intestinal Microbiota, and Disease Resistance of Crayfish (Procambarus clarkia)
by Yan Xu, Yiqun Li, Mingyang Xue, Tao Yang, Xiaowen Luo, Yuding Fan, Yan Meng, Wenzhi Liu, Ge Lin, Bo Li, Lingbing Zeng and Yong Zhou
Animals 2021, 11(7), 1963; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11071963 - 30 Jun 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4013
Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the dietary supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae YFI-SC2 on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune parameters, intestinal microbiota, and disease resistance of crayfish (Procambarus clarkia). Crayfish were randomly assigned to six different boxes [...] Read more.
The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the dietary supplementation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae YFI-SC2 on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, immune parameters, intestinal microbiota, and disease resistance of crayfish (Procambarus clarkia). Crayfish were randomly assigned to six different boxes and two different groups in triplicate. The control group received a basal diet and the treatment group received a diet containing S. cerevisiae at 107 CFU/g. After feeding for 28 days, crayfish of the treatment group exhibited a significantly better weight gain ratio (WGR) and a specific growth rate (SGR) (p < 0.05) than crayfish of the control group. Compared to the treatment group, the control group intestines showed an oedema connective tissue layer and a weak muscle layer. For immune-related genes, Crustin2 expression was similar between the groups, whereas Lysozyme and prophenoloxidase from treatment group expression levels were upregulated significantly (p < 0.05) after 14 and 28 days of feeding. Prophenoloxidase showed the highest expression, with 10.5- and 8.2-fold higher expression than in the control group at 14 and 28 days, respectively. The intestinal microbiota community structure was markedly different between the two groups. After 14 and 28 days of feeding, the relative abundance of Cetobacterium and Lactobacillus increased, whereas Citrobacter and Bacteroides decreased in the treatment group compared with that of the control group. The challenge test showed that crayfish of the treatment group had a significantly enhanced resistance against Citrobacter freundii (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that a S. cerevisiae-containing diet positively influenced the health status, immune parameters, intestinal microbiota composition, and disease resistance of crayfish. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Health and Immunity of Fish)
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27 pages, 2789 KiB  
Article
Chestnut Shell Tannins: Effects on Intestinal Inflammation and Dysbiosis in Zebrafish
by Graziella Orso, Mikhail M. Solovyev, Serena Facchiano, Evgeniia Tyrikova, Daniela Sateriale, Elena Kashinskaya, Caterina Pagliarulo, Hossein S. Hoseinifar, Evgeniy Simonov, Ettore Varricchio, Marina Paolucci and Roberta Imperatore
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1538; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061538 - 25 May 2021
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5981
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to test the possible ameliorative efficacy of phytochemicals such as tannins on intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis. The effect of a chestnut shell (Castanea sativa) extract (CSE) rich in polyphenols, mainly represented by tannins, on [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study was to test the possible ameliorative efficacy of phytochemicals such as tannins on intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis. The effect of a chestnut shell (Castanea sativa) extract (CSE) rich in polyphenols, mainly represented by tannins, on k-carrageenan-induced intestinal inflammation in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) was tested in a feeding trial. Intestinal inflammation was induced by 0.1% k-carrageenan added to the diet for 10 days. CSE was administered for 10 days after k-carrageenan induced inflammation. The intestinal morphology and histopathology, cytokine expression, and microbiota were analyzed. The k-carrageenan treatment led to gut lumen expansion, reduction of intestinal folds, and increase of the goblet cells number, accompanied by the upregulation of pro-inflammatory factors (TNFα, COX2) and alteration in the number and ratio of taxonomic groups of bacteria. CSE counteracted the inflammatory status enhancing the growth of health helpful bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas), decreasing the pro-inflammatory factors, and activating the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In conclusion, CSE acted as a prebiotic on zebrafish gut microbiota, sustaining the use of tannins as food additives to ameliorate the intestinal inflammation. Our results may be relevant for both aquaculture and medical clinic fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Health and Immunity of Fish)
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19 pages, 1333 KiB  
Article
Replacement of Fish Meal by Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Meal: Effects on Growth, Haematology, and Skin Mucus Immunity of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
by Nisarat Tippayadara, Mahmoud A. O. Dawood, Patcharin Krutmuang, Seyed Hosseini Hoseinifar, Hien Van Doan and Marina Paolucci
Animals 2021, 11(1), 193; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010193 - 15 Jan 2021
Cited by 71 | Viewed by 8141
Abstract
Fish meal (FM) is no longer a sustainable source for the increasing aquaculture industry. Animal proteins from insects may be used as a FM alternative source as long as they do not create adverse effects in fish. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) [...] Read more.
Fish meal (FM) is no longer a sustainable source for the increasing aquaculture industry. Animal proteins from insects may be used as a FM alternative source as long as they do not create adverse effects in fish. Black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) was tested in a 12-week experiment on Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Four hundred and twenty (14.77 ± 2.09 g) fish were divided into seven groups and were fed seven diets: control (0% BSFLM-100% FM), and FM replaced by BSFLM at rates of 10%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%. Growth indexes, feed utilization efficiency indices, feed intake, and survival rate were not significantly different (p > 0.05) between FM and BSFLM fed fish. Values of red blood cell, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume and hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell distribution width, and platelet values were not affected by BSFLM. Skin, mucus lysozyme, and peroxidase activities were improved in BSFLM fed fish. BSFLM can be used as a substitution for FM in the Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) diet at up to a 100% rate with no adverse effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Health and Immunity of Fish)
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14 pages, 3404 KiB  
Article
Dietary Black Seed Effects on Growth Performance, Proximate Composition, Antioxidant and Histo-Biochemical Parameters of a Culturable Fish, Rohu (Labeo rohita)
by Maria Latif, Mehwish Faheem, Asmatullah, Seyed Hossein Hoseinifar and Hien Van Doan
Animals 2021, 11(1), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010048 - 29 Dec 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4356
Abstract
This feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary black seed (Nigella sativa) supplementation on the growth performance, muscles proximate composition, antioxidant and histo-biochemical parameters of rohu (Labeo rohita). Fingerlings (8.503 ± 0.009 g) were fed on [...] Read more.
This feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary black seed (Nigella sativa) supplementation on the growth performance, muscles proximate composition, antioxidant and histo-biochemical parameters of rohu (Labeo rohita). Fingerlings (8.503 ± 0.009 g) were fed on 0.0%, 1% and 2.5% black seed supplemented diets for 28 days. Fish sampling was done on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day of experiment. The results of the present study indicated that black seed supplementation significantly increased growth performance and muscles protein contents of rohu over un-supplemented ones. Lipid peroxidation levels significantly decreased in all the studied tissues (liver, gills, kidney and brain) of black seed fed rohu, whereas the antioxidant enzymes (catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase and reduced glutathione) activities were increased in all the studied tissues of black seed supplemented rohu at each sampling day. The hepatic-nephric marker enzymes levels were decreased for black seed fed rohu. The present study showed that tested black seed levels are safe for rohu. Black seed is cheaply available in local markets of Pakistan; therefore, based on the results of the present study, it is suggested that black seed has potential to be used as natural growth promoter and antioxidant in the diet of rohu. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Health and Immunity of Fish)
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16 pages, 3349 KiB  
Article
Effect of Green Algae Chaetomorpha antennina Extract on Growth, Modulate Immunity, and Defenses against Edwardsiella tarda Infection in Labeo rohita
by Govindharajan Sattanathan, Vairakannu Tamizhazhagan, Swaminathan Padmapriya, Wen-Chao Liu and Balamuralikrishnan Balasubramanian
Animals 2020, 10(11), 2033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112033 - 04 Nov 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2697
Abstract
The current study focused on assessing the outcome of methanol extract of Chaetomorpha antennina (MECA) on the growth performance and immune modulation in both specific and non-specific immune responses through the assessment of neutrophil, serum lysozyme, serum myeloperoxidase, antiprotease, ceruloplasmin, reactive oxygen species [...] Read more.
The current study focused on assessing the outcome of methanol extract of Chaetomorpha antennina (MECA) on the growth performance and immune modulation in both specific and non-specific immune responses through the assessment of neutrophil, serum lysozyme, serum myeloperoxidase, antiprotease, ceruloplasmin, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) activity in Labeo rohita (rohu) at 28 days post treatment along with assessment of the disease resistance capacity against Edwardsiella tarda at 30days post immunization. Fishes (n = 144; average weight 50.0 ± 0.23 g) were evenly divided into four treatments, with 12 fishes per tank in triplicates. The MECA was injected intraperitoneally in the fishes at different doses as 0, 25, 75, and 150 mg/kg of the body weight. The results demonstrated that fish treated with MECA have an increased body weight, specific growth rate, and feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) with respect to the control group. Results suggested that the MECA inclusion can significantly enhance (p < 0.05) the levels of serum lysozyme, neutrophil function, serum antiprotease activity, cellular RNS, and ROS production. Exposure to MECA of 75 mg/kg showed a significantly higher survival percentage against E. tarda disease infection. These results indicate MECA as a stimulant of immunity in L. rohita against E. tarda. The results suggested that MECA is a potent immunostimulant in finfish aquaculture and can offer higher economic welfare. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Health and Immunity of Fish)
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Review

Jump to: Research

24 pages, 386 KiB  
Review
The Gene Regulatory Roles of Herbal Extracts on the Growth, Immune System, and Reproduction of Fish
by Ehsan Ahmadifar, Hamideh Pourmohammadi Fallah, Morteza Yousefi, Mahmoud A. O. Dawood, Seyed Hossein Hoseinifar, Hossein Adineh, Sevdan Yilmaz, Marina Paolucci and Hien Van Doan
Animals 2021, 11(8), 2167; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082167 - 22 Jul 2021
Cited by 71 | Viewed by 7562
Abstract
The crucial need for safe and healthy aquatic animals obligates researchers in aquaculture to investigate alternative and beneficial additives. Medicinal herbals and their extracts are compromised with diverse effects on the performances of aquatic animals. These compounds can affect growth performance and stimulate [...] Read more.
The crucial need for safe and healthy aquatic animals obligates researchers in aquaculture to investigate alternative and beneficial additives. Medicinal herbals and their extracts are compromised with diverse effects on the performances of aquatic animals. These compounds can affect growth performance and stimulate the immune system when used in fish diet. In addition, the use of medicinal herbs and their extracts can reduce oxidative stress induced by several stressors during fish culture. Correspondingly, aquatic animals could gain increased resistance against infectious pathogens and environmental stressors. Nevertheless, the exact mode of action where these additives can affect aquatic animals’ performances is still not well documented. Understanding the mechanistic role of herbal supplements and their derivatives is a vital tool to develop further the strategies and application of these additives for feasible and sustainable aquaculture. Gene-related studies have clarified the detailed information on the herbal supplements’ mode of action when administered orally in aquafeed. Several review articles have presented the potential roles of medicinal herbs on the performances of aquatic animals. However, this review article discusses the outputs of studies conducted on aquatic animals fed dietary, medicinal herbs, focusing on the gene expression related to growth and immune performances. Furthermore, a particular focus is directed to the expected influence of herbal supplements on the reproduction of aquatic animals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feed Additives in Health and Immunity of Fish)
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